A quick start guide to
bodybuilding supplements
If you are new to using
bodybuilding supplements
or sport nutrition products, this article provides a
quick start guide to the basics. In keeping with the
philosophy of this site, I don't get into
prohormones or ephedrine/caffeine products--however,
I have provided a definition on the right. What you
will find is information on the bodybuilding
supplements creatine monohydrate, l-glutamine, whey
protein, multivitamins, and antioxidants. In
combination with a challenging workout regime and
high performance dietary plan, these supplements
should be more than enough to fine tune that "bod".
First, consider bodybuilding supplements like
creatine monohydrate and l-glutamine if your goal is
muscle strength, power, and recovery
Creatine monohydrate is a
bodybuilding supplement that helps replenish your
cell's reserves of energy (these reserves are called
ATP--Adenosine Triphosphate).
With higher energy reserves, you are able to work
out longer and more intensely. It is produced
naturally in the body by the liver and kidneys, and
is stored in the muscle cells. Taking synthetic
creatine monohydrate lets you load your muscle cells
with extra ATP. Creatine monohydrate also helps you
recover after workouts by reducing lactic acid
levels in your blood, and it neutralizes free
radicals in your system after exercise. The result
is reduced muscle soreness.
L-glutamine is also a
bodybuilding supplement that aids in muscle
recovery. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid
in skeletal muscle and like creatine, it is
manufactured by the body. L-Glutamine is simply a
form of Glutamine that is not bonded to any other
amino acids.
During intense exercise, glutamine stores in your
body are depleted. When you are injured or ill,
glutamine also decreases because your immune system
depends on glutamine as a fuel source. By taking l-glutamine supplements
you can prevent muscle loss during exercise, help build muscle tissue by transporting
Nitrogen required to build proteins, and strengthen the immune system.
Second, consider whey
protein for daily nutritional benefits
Another one of the basic bodybuilding supplements
is whey protein. There are dozens of whey protein
powders on the market and an abundance of flavors.
Another great thing about whey protein is that most
formulations include other important vitamins,
minerals, and nutrients. L-glutamine, for example,
is often an ingredient of whey protein powders.
For many bodybuilders, whey protein is a
convenient and tasty method of meeting daily protein
requirements.
Third, consider good
multivitamins with antioxidants C, E, and
beta-carotene
While some people may argue that multivitamins
are not bodybuilding supplements, you'll find that
most strength trainers and other athletes wouldn't
go without good multivitamins with antioxidant
cancer fighting C, E, and beta-carotene. When you
exercise, free radicals are released in the body
(this is normal). Free radicals can damage cells,
tissues, organs, and your immune system. By taking
antioxidants, you protect your body against free
radicals. Antioxidant vitamin supplements (C, E,
beta-carotene, and the mineral Selenium) clean up
the free radicals in your body and prevent new ones
from forming.
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